USAF Ceremonial Brass embarks on first community relations tour

Published Jan. 12, 2012
By Senior Master Sgt. Joe Jackson
U.S. Air Force Band

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C. -- The U.S. Air Force Band Ceremonial Brass embarked on a historic milestone Jan. 11 - 24, 2012 - their first-ever stateside community relations tour.

Visiting ten cities in central Florida, this tour gives the public the unprecedented opportunity to see one of the nation's premier ceremonial ensembles up close and personal.

The theme of the tour, "American Song and Cinema," will feature music from stage and screen, along with patriotic works ranging from classical to swing.

The tour gives the "Brass," the ensemble best known for providing final military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, Va., the opportunity to show off their versatility, precision ensemble work and amazing soloists.

The tour also features the world premier of an exciting work commissioned by the USAF Band, in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen, Bruce Yurko's "Red Tail Skirmish."

Joining the Ceremonial Brass will be featured vocal soloist Tech. Sgt. Emily Lewis from the USAF Band Singing Sergeants, who will bring an extraordinary voice to a number of pieces ranging from Hoagy Carmichael's "Skylark" to John Phillips Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever."

"I'm really looking forward to singing in Florida with the Ceremonial Brass - they are outstanding musicians and I am happy to be given this opportunity," said Lewis.

To ensure you do not miss this rare opportunity to see the explosive power and razor-sharp precision of the "Brass" on tour, go to http://www.usafband.af.mil/events/index.asp for itinerary and ticket information.